About Vitamin C 500 mg Chewable Tablet
Vitamin C 500 mg Chewable Tablet contains Ascorbic Acid 500 mg. This is vitamin C, a vitamin the body needs for healthy skin, gums, blood vessels and wound healing, and to help absorb iron from food. It is used to prevent or treat vitamin C deficiency. Most people get enough from fruit and vegetables, so a supplement is mainly for those whose diet is low in it or as a doctor advises.
Uses of Vitamin C 500 mg Chewable Tablet
- Prevention and treatment of vitamin C deficiency (including scurvy)
- Supplement when diet does not provide enough vitamin C
- Help with iron absorption when taken alongside iron (as advised by a doctor)
Benefits
In vitamin C deficiency
It restores vitamin C levels, which helps with healthy gums and skin, normal wound healing and iron absorption. It is a supplement, not a cure for colds or other illnesses.
Side effects
Side effects are uncommon at the usual dose. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you.
Common
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Diarrhoea (at higher doses)
Get medical help if you notice
- Pain in the side or back, or blood in the urine (possible kidney stone, with high doses) — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it as your doctor or the label advises. Chew the chewable tablet fully before swallowing, preferably after food. Do not take more than the advised amount.
How it works
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that the body uses to make collagen, a protein that builds skin, gums and blood vessels. It also helps the gut absorb iron.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known.
Pregnancy Caution
Vitamin C at normal supplement doses is generally used in pregnancy, but avoid high doses and check with your doctor.
Breastfeeding Caution
Normal supplement doses are generally used while breastfeeding. Avoid high doses and check with your doctor.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving.
Kidney Caution
High doses may increase the risk of kidney stones. Ask your doctor if you have kidney disease or have had stones.
Liver Safe
No special precautions are known at normal doses.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day, or simply take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Fresh fruit (such as amla, oranges and guava) and vegetables are good sources of vitamin C.
- Do not take high doses for long periods unless your doctor advises it.
- Tell your doctor if you have G6PD deficiency, iron overload (haemochromatosis) or kidney stones.
- Keep chewable tablets out of reach of children.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Water-soluble vitamin
- Therapeutic class
- Vitamins & supplements
- Action class
- Vitamin / antioxidant
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Iron supplements | Vitamin C increases iron absorption; take with care if you have iron overload |
| Antacids containing aluminium | Vitamin C may increase aluminium absorption |
| Deferoxamine | Take vitamin C only as advised by your doctor during this treatment |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Ascorbic acid prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: ascorbic acid). Pharmacist review pending.